QPR could be set to gazump London rivals West Ham in the chase for Rangers hitman Nikica Jelavic.

QPR could be set to gazump London rivals West Ham in the chase for Rangers hitman Nikica Jelavic.

Record Sport understands the Loftus Road outfit are to step up their interest in the Croatia striker after new boss Mark Hughes identified his January transfer targets.

Jelavic had been on the radar of QPR's former boss Neil Warnock who was sacked last week.

And now Hughes is ready to pick up where his predecessor left off.

Jelavic and his advisers are aware of Hughes' interest and the player has made it clear he would prefer a move straight to the Premier League rather than chance his luck with a promotion chasing Championship side.

QPR know they need to come in with an offer in excess of £7million to bring Ibrox owner Craig Whyte to the table - but that figure has not frightened them off. Rangers boss Ally McCoist is desperate to hang on to Jelavic and made it clear neither West Ham manager Sam Allardyce nor Hughes will land the player on the cheap.

Informal talks have been held with West Ham but responding to reports they had tabled a £6m bid, McCoist said: "There haven't been any offers for him.

"I know Sam Allardyce well. If there was any real interest then Sam and I would be talking.

"I can certainly say Craig feels the £6m mentioned in a newspaper was well short."

Meanwhile, reports from England suggest 30-year-old Norwich striker Grant Holt is the man Rangers would want to replace Jelavic if he goes.